Mali booked their place in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite being held to a goalless draw by Comoros in their final Group A match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Monday night.
In a contest shaped more by tension than creativity, Mali did just enough to claim the point they needed to finish second in the group and progress to the Round of 16, while Comoros’ hopes of extending their tournament ended despite a spirited performance.
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Comoros looked dangerous on the counterattack and came closest to breaking the deadlock. Meziani Maoulida found space behind the Malian defence but hesitated at the decisive moment.
Mali responded with their clearest chance shortly before half-time, when Lassine Sinayoko unleashed a powerful strike that was superbly turned away by the Comorian goalkeeper to keep the scores level at the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Mali enjoying territorial control but continuing to lack penetration in the final third.
Late drama arrived in the 88th minute when Mali were reduced to ten men, with Amadou Haidara shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge. Comoros pushed forward in the closing moments in search of a winner, but Mali held firm to see out the draw.
The result confirmed Morocco as Group A winners, with Mali progressing alongside them after finishing second in the group with three points from three draws.
Comoros exit the tournament in third place with two points, falling short of qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.
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